CHESAPEAKE, Va. – HOPE (Healing Opportunities Providing Empowerment), a new victim centered program launched by Chesapeake Regional Healthcare, will support those who suffer interpersonal violence.
The program will link victims with community resources and is the only program of its kind in Chesapeake.
The HOPE program is dedicated to preventing interpersonal violence and providing intervention services to individuals and families who experience domestic assault, intimate partner violence, sexual assault and human trafficking. Credentialed advocates assist with a variety of services, including crisis intervention, court and forensic examination accompaniment, legal advocacy, mental health resources and safety planning.
Chesapeake Regional Healthcare was selected as one of seven hospital teams to receive a Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services grant-funded initiative earlier this year aimed at improving public safety and health outcomes for victims of violence in high-need communities.
The Virginia Hospital-based Violence Intervention Program Collaborative grant, is being implemented at Chesapeake Regional to help expand resources for survivors of interpersonal violence during and after hospitalization.
“When it comes to serving patients, Virginia’s hospitals do more than just respond to the medical needs of people when they are admitted for care. Hospitals reach into the community to serve the public and promote health and well-being,” said VHHA President and CEO Sean T. Connaughton. “The Hospital-based Violence Intervention Program is a continuation of that commitment to community health exemplified by Chesapeake Regional Healthcare.
In May 2019, Gov. Northam announced the award of $2.45 million in Victims of Crime Act grant funding to support implementation of the HVIP model at select Virginia hospitals. The grant is part of a funding package approved by the Criminal Justice Services Board of DCJS.
Anyone seeking intervention services in Chesapeake should call Meredith Noha, Interpersonal Violence Program Coordinator at (757)-312-6198, email Meredith.Noha@ChesapeakeRegional.com or call the Virginia Family Violence and Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-838-8238.
